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Reposted by Rob Hemming

At last! Water Rail at Winterbourne (Edgbaston Pool). I knew it would happen one day. @ecorecord.bsky.social

Reposted by Rob Hemming

Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 21h

Sheep densities across Europe. Native to southwest Asia, these domesticates are possibly the most effective means of killing off forests and other natural ecosystems ever devised.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Possibly the last Swallows of the year for me, over Lightwoods Hill this afternoon. 5 heading south @ecorecord.bsky.social #UKbirding

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Reposted by Rob Hemming

George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In terms of messaging, this is very positive, and a big shift from the nature-hatefest of the Starmer administration. Mind you, most tree-planting is unnecessary: I'd like to see much more emphasis on natural regeneration. 🧵 www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Half a million trees to be planted in England in three years, says government

Exclusive: Environment secretary Angela Eagle to make pledge as part of efforts to protect against extreme weather

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Reposted by Rob Hemming

womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

UK textile artist Rachel Wright creates artworks using machine embroidery on calico with various fabrics #WomensArt

Pictorial textile artwork featuring a view looking down on a lighthouse in a swirling sea

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

I can only think the changes in land use are the major factor...including loss of nesting habitat. But I don't know enough about it

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

There's something about a tree sparrow that moves me. Prob due to the loss locally. Also, they are just very smart birds. As you know, I was up near groningen for a while & were still in good numbers, albeit 'localised'. That was a decade ago, tho....

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Giant polypores and another sort. Also, a confiding Goldcrest being undeterred by my presence as they sometimes are.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Shrooming on a little stroll around Birmingham University this afternoon...... #fungifriends

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Cheers Phil. Made an otherwise dull visit worthwhile

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Edgbaston res GW Egret over this morning. The 3rd record for the site, I believe. Otherwise as normal. 7 Mipits 44 House Martin Couple of Sand Ms 2 male Blackcap Fishermen, dog walkers, runners, rowers etc etc.....Ugh @ecorecord.bsky.social #UKbirding

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Some emerging coral fungi from work today. I presume it's probably just white coral, but it did seem to have something else about it. From a little distance it looked like it had yellow tips like flowers. Only other similar one looks like Ramaria formosa 🤔 @lukaslarge.bsky.social #fungifriends

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Horse mushrooms, or something similar. The Vale, Birmingham University #fungifriends

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Incredible craftsmanship. Or Craftwomanship really. So much skill involved in this.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Cheers Phil. We'll keep giving it a go. It's always a day to look forward to despite our challenging patch. Congrats on a worldy of a day at Blithfield 👌

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Edgbaston res team fall short of 60 again 59 sps for the 5th time in a row Hummingbird Hawkmoth the highlight! Bird wise: Tawny, Common Sand, Peregrine, Raven, L Egret Cheers to @thehairycrisp.bsky.social & @sprayxcappo.bsky.social for great company as always Well done to all #westmidsalldayer

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Edgbaston reservoir team have moved up to 58. Recent additions of teal, shoveler, gadwall, Raven and little egret. Nice to see several Swifts moving through, plus all 3 hirundines. Peregrine, Tawny & Common Sand, other highlights. Painted Lady Hummingbird hawkmoth #westmidsalldayer #UKbirding

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Edgbaston reservoir. 5.30-8 Yellow wag over Common Gull Teal x2 Kingfisher Green Woodpecker Greenfinch Greylag @ecorecord.bsky.social #UKbirding

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Edgbaston res 5.30-7.30 Been about 3 months since my last patch visit. No surprise with what greeted me, but a decent spread. Highlights were Kingfisher & Peregrine. Sand & House Martin present. Swifts, Green woody & a Greylag. Plus BHGs w plenty of juvs @ecorecord.bsky.social #UKbirding

Edgbaston reservoir, Birmingham. Water levels low as expected. Nice morning with a fresher feel

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Private jet flying over and some grouse hunters blasting off on the right side....

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

A rather sad looking Purple Hairstreak from work today. First time I've seen one up close. Saw a bit of its purple colouration as it flew from time to time, but it wasn't doing well Good record for Edgbaston area of Birmingham. B15 @ecorecord.bsky.social @ukbutterflies.bsky.social

Worn Purple Hairstreak butterfly showing its underwings with the characteristic white lines and one 'eye' visible near the edge of the wing

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Reposted by Rob Hemming

EcoRecord @ecorecord.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Today we lead an invertebrate survey at Bartley Meadow, next to Bartley Reservoir in South Birmingham. A highlight was this Clouded Yellow butterfly, spotted feeding on red clover near the picnic area! This migratory species is clearly having quite a year! Have you spotted one yet?

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Dear all streaming services, Please stop trying to start the next film before the current one has finished. No one ever in the history of ever wants this. There is already so much to dislike about your products, but this one is up there with the worst. Many Thanks, The whole world.

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Reposted by Rob Hemming

Carl S @sprayxcappo.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Personal site record of 7 L Egret at Winterbourne Gardens today. Nice to see another Hummingbird Hawkmoth doing the rounds as well.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Couldn't have asked for more! The hill was giving up some real gems

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Amazing birthday ramble around Walton hill,Worcs, today Stoked to find a Wood Warbler! amongst a large group of other small birds inc. 6+ Spotted Flys, Willow Ws, chiffs, tits, treecreepers & nuthatch Red Kite, Goshawk, Kestrel, Sprawk, Buzzard & Ravens Plus Redstart & 2 juv Stonechat #UKbirding

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Very exciting! The best moment I've ever had with one. So close. It looks in great condition, too.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

A young woodpigeon was the victim of a window strike yesterday. I knew a fox would probably take the body so left it. To our surprise, it wasn't a fox that took it...... Everything is an opportunist. But it was still a surprise seeing this! #badger #wildlife #nature @ecorecord.bsky.social

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Being a lifer, Western Bonelli's Warbler is the birding highlight However, stunning views of Cirl Bunting, Osprey, S-t Eagle, Montys Harriers, Honey Buzzard,Whimbrel, Nightjar, Golden Oriole & so on were fantastic Being so close to wild boars was exhilarating Great memories made. Feel very lucky

Silhouette of my partner and myself casting a long shadow on the pier at La Tranche-sur-mer, France. The pier stretches into the background with the sea either side

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Our French holiday came to an end on Wednesday. 131 species of bird seen. Loads of butterflies, the odd moth & some magical mammal moments. Highlights Western Bonelli's Warbler Glanville Fritillary Scarce Swallowtail Southern White Admiral Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth Dolphins #ukbirding abroad

A list of my favourite, bird, butterfly, mammal & moth species seen on our holidays to La Tranch Sur Mer, France.

Scarce Swallowtail on bramble blossom.
A medium-large butterfly with pale yellow background colour & black tiger stripes. Some blue and red colouration near the tail tips, which extend like a swallows tail.

View across the landscape near La Tranche-sur-mer, mid-west France.
Sunrise with yellows and oranges with grey/blue cloud above. Scene of rough pasture and marsh seen through a rustic fence with hedging either side.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Final day of the hols. Back to Pointe du Payre with Ruth. Early start took us through the woods in darkness & onto the small cliffs overlooking the sea. Dug out a single Balearic Shearwater. Tawny & Nightjar Waders inc more Whimbrel 3 Common Scoter 8 Dolphins frolicking around #UKbirding abroad

Holme Oak woods pre-dawn at Pointe du Payre, Vendee region. Silhouetted trees on a dawn background

Whimbrel. Medium sized wading bird with downward curved bill, striped head markings on a mostly brown, varied patterned body

View over Pointe de Payre. Wooded cliff edges adjacent to a rocky shoreline with the sea in the center.

Half moon seen this morning. Half decent image through my telescope

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Barrage du Mervent walk Highlight was my 1st ever Western Bonelli's Warblers. Heard them, then saw one. Very happy! Honey Buzzard Marsh tits Barn & Little Owl 2 beautiful Southern White Admirals with striking blue sheen & a Broad bordered Hummingbird Hawkmoth were also firsts #UKbirding abroad

The dam at Barrage du Mervent. Extensive woodland surrounds it with the reservoir behind the stepped structure

Blurry image of a pale phase Honey Buzzard from below. Just going out of shot.

Southern White Admiral butterfly. Dark wings with prominent white markings and a blue irredecent sheen.

Brimstone butterfly on a purple betony wildflower. The brimstone is lemon yellow with 2 eye spots. In this photo ots wings are closed.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Tour de Moricq walk today Last year I stumbled upon my only Stone Curlew ever. Not so lucky this time Alas, lovely walk through tree sized hedges, marsh & rough pasture Surprise Tree Pipit. Stock dove & Yellowhammer joined the list. Night Herons, Hoopoe, Golden Os & R-b Shrikes #UKbirding abroad

Blurry photo of a Hoopoe in an ash tree. Barred black and white wings. Dusty orange colour elsewhere, with its massive crest lowered

Blurry photo of a male Cirl Bunting atop a pine tree. Head and upper body just peeking over the foliage, showing its black striped head, rusty shoulders and yellow breast.

The Tour (tower) de Moricq. A big block tower about 40ft high. No idea how old it is. Somewhat built in typical French style with small windows, a low peaked roof and a aesthetic overhang.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

And first thing this morning, around 5.30, I had fantastic bit of Nightjar action along the path into the woods. At least 5 birds churring & 3 seen. Also: Tawny Owl Black Woodpecker - flight call Short-toed Eagle 31 Glossy Ibis over Hobby & Firecrest. All making for a great walk! #UKbirding abroad

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

A close encounter of a Boar kind in the Foret Dominiale de Longeville this morning. There were 2 rummaging away in front of me, with 3 (including a heavy adult) round the corner..... .....I promptly walk the opposite way after they wandered past 😅🐗 #wildboar

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

A Black-winged Floof being very well protected at the lagoons of Point D'Arcay this morning. Short-toed Eagle & Nightingale new for the holiday list. 2 Wild Boar & 3 Red Squirrels were exciting to see! Marbled Whites & Cardinals join the butterfly's seen #ukbirding abroad

A baby Black-winged Stilt at Point d'Arcay in France. Grayish, white fluffy body, long pink legs and a black bill.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Im sure its got it right. And the habitat does make it top choice, youre spot on. Just those markings stand out is all... Appreciate you taking the time to look Gert, cheers mate

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

North Baie de L'Aiguillon area for today's outing. Thousands of waders. Bar-tailed Gs, Whimbrel, Greenshank, B-w Stilts the highs. Mostly Curlew, Redshank, Blck-t Gs, Oyks & Grey Plvrs. Osprey, Quails, Monty Harriers, Hobby, Cuckoo, Crested Lk, Hoopoe, Corn Bs, Bluethroats etc #UKbirding abroad

Black-winged Stilt. Tall wading bird with very long, red legs, black wings and white body

Distant juvenile Cuckoo. Mostly grey with pale underparts. Some mottling of brown colouration and a scale effect due to it being this year's young

Little Owl on the edge of a hole of a cave. They are grey/dark grey with white streaking and other patterning all over

Glanville Fritillary butterfly. Latticed markings kn the upper wing, infilled with bright, burnt orange colour.

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Rob Hemming @robhemming25.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

It is. That's one of the options i looked at. I'm surprised it gave it 100% because (altho worn), compared to the photos I've seen of Mallow Skipper, this one appears to have more prominent light markings on the hind wings 🤔 But I'm happy to have an answer....

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